Antonio Conte: Diego Costa’s Chelsea Future Closed Since January

Chelsea manager, Antonio Conte has noted that Diego Costa’s future at Stamford Bridge was “clear” since last January.

Costa, who did not travel with Chelsea for their pre-season tour of Asia, fell out with the Italian manager during last season over the state of his fitness but was later recalled to the team.

Addressing reporters in Beijing, Conte said: “I don’t like to talk about players that don’t stay here, but the only thing I can tell you, in January, the Costa situation was very clear, for the club, for him and his agent,”

“For me the situation is closed.”

ON THIS DAY: In 2014, Diego Costa joined Chelsea from Atletico for £32m. His league record since then:

“I think for sure this is a good signing for us. He is a young player, but has a lot of experience, he went to Juventus and Real Madrid. He has a lot of experience and I think this is a good sign for us.” Conte concluded.